Scunthorpe v Derby Preview

Posted on | August 14, 2009 | No Comments

Scunthorpe’s return to the Championship started in disastrous fashion last weekend after a heavy 4-0 defeat to Cardiff. Their opponents on the other hand had contrasting fortunes after Nigel Clough’s side managed to beat Peterborough 2-1 to get off to a winning start.

Scunthorpe are one side that nearly every bookmaker is picking as a certainty for the drop. While they impressed many with their fluent football last season, they simply lack the budget compared to most Championship sides and this means Nigel Adkins has an almighty task on his hands. Having only signed a handful of players Adkins is more or less keeping faith with last season’s squad although that may have to change if results like last week are repeated again. Fortunately for them they did manage to record a victory midweek against Chesterfield, although really, that won’t change many people’s opinions on them. However, while it’s easy to focus on the negatives, Scunny were one of the best attacking sides in League One last season and in the likes of Paul Hayes and Garry Hooper they have two very good strikers. If they can get some service, there might be an outside chance of avoiding the drop.

Nigel Clough didn’t exactly have a fantastic start to his management career at Derby and he failed to make much progress when he joined them midway through last season. However there’s plenty of optimism at Pride Park and having won their opening fixture against Peterborough, the Rams have made a good start. Still, there seems to be a lot of work to be done though as days after that victory over Darren Ferguson’s men, Derby lost 2-1 to Rotherham in the Carling Cup. They finished in 18^th position last season although after making several purchases during the summer, their fans will be hoping for a much loftier finish this campaign.

Following on from their midweek victory over Chesterfield, Nigel Adkins may decide to change things around for this one. Michael O’Connor made an impressive starting debut in that game and after last week’s disaster, he could be given his first league start here. Elsewhere, David Mirfin is a doubt with an ankle injury and faces a late fitness test. Derby on the other hand just have the one doubt with Stephen Davies battling a hamstring injury. However, Nigel Clough has been handed some good news with Shaun Barker and Jake Livermore both expected to be in contention after shaking off knocks.

If Scunthorpe are to survive in this division, team spirit will be a huge factor. Following their 4-0 trouncing last week Nigel Adkins will have encouraged his group to stick together and bounce back. Derby are much stronger on paper, but we think the Rams will be held to a 1-1 draw against a gutsy Scunny side.

Related posts:

1. Derby v Scunthorpe Preview
2. Derby v Southampton Preview
3. Millwall v Derby Preview
4. Derby v Nottingham Forest Preview
5. Plymouth v Derby Preview

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